7 Best Automatic Trim Tabs

Boating is relaxing and fun. Did you know there is a way to make boat cruising an even more relaxing activity? Try installing automatic trim tabs.

Automatic trim tabs have a lot of uses and they surely help you enjoy your cruising journey. Continue reading to learn everything that you need to know about automatic trim tabs as we also review some of the best products you can try.

What Are Automatic Trim Tabs?

Automatic trim tabs are essential products that help to adjust the running angle or position of your boat.

Before explaining the uses of automatic trim tabs, let us discuss some uses of trim tabs (so that you can know why you should use automatic ones).

Uses of Trim Tabs

Here are some reasons why trim tabs are essential:

• Boat Balance: Have you ever seen a boat that does not look balanced in the water? That boat needs a trim tab to help balance it.
• Lower Chance of the Boat Capsizing: Trim tabs help to maintain boat balance, so there is a low chance (near zero) for the boat to capsize.
• Increases Boat Speed: Do you remember how you may be asked to go near the front of the boat to help increase the boat speed? This is because the boat is not balanced. With trim tabs, there is no need for people to go forward to increase the speed as the trim will adjust the boat position.
• Increases Boat Efficiency: The boat is almost always balanced, so you get to your destination quickly. This means lower fuel consumption. It also helps to eliminate squatting and reduces engine laboring.
• Boating Without Fear: Some passengers are afraid of boats because the boat does not look balanced. With a trim tab, your passengers or friends will cruise with you without fear.

Awesome uses, right? Why then should you use automatic trim tabs?

Do Self-Adjusting (Automatic) Trim Tabs Work?

Automatic trim tabs do work and if you feel that the trim tabs are cool, wait until you see how awesome automatic trim tabs are.

Some benefits of automatic trim tabs are:

• You Do Not Need to Monitor the Boat’s Balance: When you use manual trim tabs, you need to always check if the boat is balanced or not. With automatic ones, you just need to focus on your cruising.
• You Can Quickly Adjust to Manual Trim Tabs: Most automatic trim tabs come with a switch to quickly use them manually. This is important especially when you are in some trickier navigation situations.
• Best for Cruising: Are you simply cruising and enjoying the water? Install an automatic trim tab to maximize your enjoyment.
• You Can Do Other Things: Instead of always adjusting your boat angle and position, you can use your spare time to do other things like discussing with friends or checking your catch.
• Ride Your Boat Without Effort: Well, all the benefits of using automatic trim tabs sum up to effortlessly cruising in your boat.

Now that you know why you should use automatic trim tabs, let us discuss some of the best automatic trim tabs you should use.

7 Best Automatic Trim Tabs

Here are some recommended products that you can install on your boat:

1. Bennett Complete Kit Bolt Electric Trim Tab (BOLT129) with Integrated Helm Control (OBI9000E), 12 x 9 inches FO-4322

This is a fully electric automatic trim tab made with fiberglass (filled with neon). The helm control has a warranty of three years. Some pros of using this trim tab are:

• The actuator has a lifetime warranty period.
• It is very easy to install (among the easiest).
• It is a very popular product, so you can easily find “how-to” articles about it in various blogs and forums to help you solve any problem you may be facing with the product.

Some cons of this Bennet automatic trim tab are:

• When you compare it with other automatic trim tabs, this product is a bit slow to respond to boat imbalance.
• You need to coat it before using it.
• It does not have any zinc anode included.

The Bennet automatic trim tab product costs around $1100.

2. Lenco Marine Inc 15101-104 9″ x 12″ Standard Trim Tab Kit

Looking for a quick-performing, well-designed trim kit for your boat? This could just be what you are looking for. It is a popular choice and the product has continued to have positive reviews for years (even though there is room for improvement).

Some pros of using the Lenco Marine Inc 15101-104 automatic trim tab are:

• It is among the fastest automatic trimers you can buy.
• It has a very quiet operation.
• You do not need to winterize this product.

Some cons that you should consider in the Lenco Marine Inc 15101-104 product are:

• You need to add anti-fouling paint.
• Not so easy to retract the trims.
• Customer service is a bit poor for this product.

According to your location, you can get this product from $550 to $850. Why not buy this one?

3. Zipwake ZW2011145 Series-S Fully-Automatic Dynamic Trim Control System Kit Box with Fast-Acting Interceptors – KB300-S

This is a fairly new product but is already gaining popularity. In 2022, it is becoming the top choice automatic trim tab, especially for larger boats.

Here are some cool benefits of using the Zipwake automatic trim tab:

• It comes with brushless motors that are almost 100% silent.
• This product comes with a built-in 3D-Gyro, GPS, and Accelerometers.
• It is compatible with 20-60 foot boats.

Let’s consider the cons:

• No need to use this product in heavy slow boats.
• It is a very expensive product.
• It has just a 2-year warranty period.

Zapwake automatic trim tabs are a bit expensive, but they are worth every penny. You can get one from $2700 to $3500.

4. Bennett Marine 18″ x 12″ Bennett 1812EIC Hydraulic Trim Tab Set with Electronic Indicator Control-18 x 12″

If hydraulic-style automatic tabs are what you need, this product is a top choice for you. Its hydraulic system is almost bulletproof.

Here are some reasons why you should consider buying this product:

• You can easily switch from automatic to manual.
• If you store your boats in the water, this product is right for you.
• It is very cheap to repair and has available spare parts.

Here are some disadvantages to consider:

• The hydraulic pump may leak.
• You need space to install this product.
• This Bennet Marine trim tab does not include zinc anodes.

This Bennet Marine automatic trim tab goes for around $870.

5. Nauticus SX9510-80 Smart Tab SX Series Trim Tabs

Are you looking for a very cheap automatic trim tab to buy? Check out the Nauticus SX9510-80 Smart Tab SX Series.

Some pros include:

• Very quiet operation.
• Up to 5 years warranty for actuators.
• Made with anti-rust material, does not need pre-operation coating.

Here are some cons of the product:

• The trim tab performs poorly in the cold waters of winter.
• It is not suitable for pontoons.
• You cannot easily switch from automatic to manual use.

This Nauticus trim tab is among the cheapest you can get. It costs around $120.

6. Bennett Marine, Inc AP000A1HA Autotrim Pro for Classic, Beige

This is an affordable automatic trim tab that is also as effective as other expensive ones. Some pros of this Bennett trim tab are:

• This product is quick to detect imbalance and helps to balance your boat immediately.
• Their customer service is top-notch.
• It comes with a helm display and control unit.

Here are some cons:

• Not suitable for very large boats.
• It does not support the nmea2000 port.
• Short hydraulic cylinders

This Bennet Marine product goes for around $487.

7. Lenco Marine Inc 15108-103 9″ X 12″ Standard Trim Tab Kit

Another popular Lenco product is the Inc 15108-103. Some specifications of the product are:

• It includes a control box, led indicator switch, and everything that you will need
• Everything that comes with this product is up to date.
• It is made with stainless steel, so you do not need to coat it.

Well, a few concerns about this product are:

• The tabs do not extend down enough to be used as trolling tabs or plates.
• You cannot easily find replacement parts.
• Not suitable for very large boats.

With around $800, you can purchase this product.

Now you know so many automatic trim tabs that you can buy and install in your boat. Have you bought one? Continue reading to learn how to use the product.

How to Use Automatic Trim Tabs

Here are some tips to use your automatic trim tab:

• The Larger the Better: Buy the largest one that can fit in your boat transom. When buying a trim tab, you should search for a product in which its length in inch matches the length of your boat in feet. This means that if your boat is 20-feet long, you should buy a trim tab that is 20 inches long (or more)
• Position of the Trim Tab: It should have a “V” position at the point where the boat transom meets the bottom. To eliminate your chances of making a mistake, you should call a qualified professional to install it for optimum results.
• Get a Trim Indicator: A trim indicator can tell you the current angle and position of your boat. Trim indicators are important so that you can know your current situation.

These tips will surely help you later.

Final Thoughts

Now you know why you need automatic trim tabs and also some products you can buy. Remember to call a qualified professional to help you install the trim tabs.

Resources

• https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2012/july/how-to-use-trim-tabs
• https://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/10108-automatic-trim-tab-control-good-bad.html
• https://www.thefisherman.com/article/boat-sense-all-you-need-to-know-about-trim-tabs/
• https://www.boataccessoriesaustralia.com.au/motor-accessories/trim-tabs/automatic/
• https://outdoorsinformed.com/best-trim-tabs/